Sanskrit regaining popularity among youth through social media: PM Modi in Mann Ki Baat

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that Sanskrit is once again gaining popularity among the youth through social media and cultural content.

Prime Minister addressing the 127th episode of his monthly radio programme ‘Mann Ki Baat,” said that Sanskrit, was at one time a language of communication with research being conducted in the language and dramatic performances also being staged in Sanskrit.

“As soon as we hear the name of Sanskrit, what comes to our mind is our ‘religious texts’, ‘Vedas’, ‘Upanishads’, ‘Puranas’, scriptures, ancient knowledge and science, spirituality and philosophy. However, alongside all of these, Sanskrit was also a language of communication at one time. In that era, studies and research were conducted in Sanskrit. Dramatic performances were also staged in Sanskrit,” said Prime Minister Modi.

He termed it as unfortunate that Sanskrit consistently suffered from neglect during the period of servitude and also after Independence. He expressed happiness that the language had suffered neglect over time but is now witnessing renewed enthusiasm among the younger generation.

“But unfortunately, during the period of servitude and also after independence, Sanskrit has consistently suffered from neglect. As a result, the younger generation’s interest in Sanskrit also continued to diminish. But friends, times are changing, and so are the times for Sanskrit. The world of culture and social media has lent Sanskrit a new lease of life. These days, many young people are doing very interesting work related to Sanskrit,” PM Modi said.

He cited examples of people doing interesting work related to Sanskrit and noted that there were several reels on social media where young people are seen speaking in and about Sanskrit. “Many even teach Sanskrit through their social media channels,” he said.

“If you go to social media, you will see many reels where young people are seen speaking in and about Sanskrit. Many even teach Sanskrit through their social media channels. One such young content creator is Bhai Yash Salunke. What’s special about Yash is that he is both a content creator and a cricketer. His reel on playing cricket while speaking in Sanskrit has been very popular,” the Prime Minister said.

“The work of two sisters, Kamala and Janhavi, is also fantastic. These two sisters create content on spirituality, philosophy, and music,” he added.

The Prime Minister further spoke about other creators like Sanskrit Chhatroham, who uses humour to make Sanskrit more engaging for youth.

“There is another young person’s channel on Instagram called ‘Sanskrit Chhatroham’. The young person who runs this channel not only provides information related to Sanskrit but also makes humorous videos in Sanskrit. Young people really like these Sanskrit videos. Many of you may have also seen Samashti’s videos. Samashti presents her Sanskrit songs in myriad ways. Another young person is Bhavesh Bhimnathani. Bhavesh talks about Sanskrit shlokas, spiritual philosophy, and principles,” PM Modi said.

“Language is the carrier of the values and traditions of any civilisation. Sanskrit has fulfilled this duty for thousands of years. It is pleasing to observe that some young people are now fulfilling their duty towards Sanskrit as well,” he added.

Mann Ki Baat is Prime Minister Modi’s monthly radio programme in which he discusses important national issues with the citizens of India. The programme is broadcast on the last Sunday of every month and aims to connect with various sections of society, including women, youth, and the elderly.

Launched on October 3, 2014, Mann Ki Baat is broadcast in 22 Indian languages and 29 dialects, along with 11 foreign languages including French, Chinese, Indonesian, Tibetan, Burmese, Balochi, Arabic, Pashto, Persian, Dari, and Swahili, through more than 500 centres of All India Radio. (ANI)